Door weather stripping guide: From start to finish

Tired of troubleshooting changes in temperature thanks to door draughts? Save energy and lower your electric bill with door weather stripping, a simple, low-cost solution to fluctuating heating and cooling. When you weather-strip your home, you seal small spaces and gaps in doors and windows to block elements from pouring in.

Learn the dos and don’ts of door weather stripping in this guide.

The benefits of weather stripping your doors

Checking your weather stripping is an excellent year-round practice to protect your home from extreme climate. You don’t need to replace door weather stripping yearly, but monitoring its condition can prevent problems before it’s too late.

Door draughts can significantly cause heat loss in a home by as much as 25%. Weatherstripping — especially for your front door — is an energy-efficient way to minimise hot or freezing air leaks, unwanted rain or snow, and even as a barrier to bugs or pests.

How to apply weather stripping to doors

Finding the best way to apply door weather stripping will depend on many factors, such as materials, budget, and your home’s specific conditions. Carve out time to focus on selecting materials, setting up, and installing. You can expect the entire process to take up to an hour.

What you’ll need to install weather stripping

To prepare your door, make sure you have these materials ready:

• Tape measure 

• Pencil

• Cleaning cloth and solution

• Sandpaper

• Screwdriver

• Scissors

• Nails or heavy-duty staples

• Hammer

Step 1: Inspect door hinges 

Tighten any loose hinges that might cause draughts — even loose doorknobs can affect your indoor temperature if left unaddressed. This step for front door weather stripping is doubly important as this is the most used entryway of the home and is most prone to coming loose. 

If your screws don’t tighten all the way, you can always make use of wood plugs before reinforcing tighter screws.

Step 2: Measure your door jamb

Using your measuring tape and pencil, take note of three key measurements:

• The gap between the door and door jamb - to determine the thickness of weather stripping you need.

• The top of the frame’s width and height, with the door closed. This helps you identify how much weather stripping you may need.

Add a buffer of at least 10% in your measurements for safety.

Step 3: Select weather stripping that works for you

There are many types of weather strip for doors, such as tape, metal, and rubber. You’ll be able to find a variety of weather stripping for doors at your local hardware stores.

You’ll likely use varying materials for different parts of your door. For instance, door jambs and door sweeps will need different kinds of strips for a more efficient seal. Adjust your weather stripping to fit your door jamb. Consider durability and requirements for installation when choosing weather stripping.

Step 4: Clean the door and jamb 

Weather strips for doors are best applied to clean, dry surfaces. Before installing anything, wipe the door with soapy water and a clean rag. Scrub sandpaper over areas with the residue to work with a seamless surface. 

Step 5: Customise weather stripping for your door

Mark weather stripping with a pencil accordingly and cut based on your door’s measurements, accounting for the top and sides. Check if the initial cuts fit the desired areas properly. It’s always better to trim off excess than to cut too short.

Step 6: Stick, tack, or affix weather stripping and door sweep

Depending on the type of weather stripping you’ve chosen, secure the areas carefully, applying enough pressure where necessary. If you’re working with adhesives, you can strengthen the installation with staples or nails. 

Lastly, fasten your door sweep at the base of the door. Pre-drilling holes make it easier to apply with a screwdriver later on. 

How to replace weather stripping on doors

Your door insulation efforts can wear out every few years, so for this reason, knowing how to replace door weather stripping will come in handy. The best time to make the switch is when the weather is dry enough to allow for easy application. When you’re ready to replace the stripping, you’ll need several materials to remove the damaged materials and prepare them for new sealing.

What you’ll need to remove the weather stripping

Materials will depend significantly on the type of weather stripping you have

• Screwdriver

• Pliers

• Cleaning rags

Step 1: Remove old weather stripping

Different types of weather stripping will require a variety of removal methods. The easiest to take off would be adhesives, as they can be peeled from the door frame. If your stripping has been fastened with screws and nail tacks, you’ll need to remove them with the necessary materials. 

Step 2: Clean the door frame

Working with a clean surface is the best way to start the installation. Clean as you remove old stripping to ensure that unwanted residue doesn’t stick too long to the door jambs. 

Step 3: Install your new weather stripping

Select new weather stripping for the refresh. Don’t hesitate to try other materials if you’re keen on testing to see what might work best in protecting your home. 

Keep your home safe with weather stripping

Weather stripping is a great home maintenance practice you can always DIY, especially when you’re familiar with materials and their application. If you’re exploring new types of stripping or aren’t familiar with different installation methods, you can always look to a professional for help. Find weather stripping installers near you to keep your door insulation in tip-top shape.